Edinburgh Tattoo Rail Holiday

Scotland rail holiday featuring the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Enjoy the spectacle of marching bands at the Edinburgh Tattoo, with pipes and drums resonating from this marvellous setting. Combine this with the stunning lochs, glens and mountains of western Scotland . Join us to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee Year of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Tour highlights
- Glasgow
- Journey on the West Highland Railway
- Visit to a whisky distillery
- Journey on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
- Edinburgh's Military Tattoo in its Diamond Jubilee Year

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Glasgow
Your tour begins in Glasgow, where your Tour Manager will be waiting for you in the Radisson Blu Hotel or the Park Inn (26 August departure). Take some time to settle in before we meet for dinner in the hotel's restaurant. (D)

Day 2 - Exploring the West Highlands
We set off today on the enchanting West Highland Railway, renowned for its incredible views across the Scottish countryside. Relax in your seat as the train carries us along the banks of rippling lochs and through verdant forests, past cascading waterfalls streaming down craggy rock-faces. Rugged peaks and untamed moorland stretch as far as the eye can see, and we reach Fort William under the looming bulk of Ben Nevis. After time for lunch, we make a visit to a whisky distillery, with a chance to sample a wee dram. Our return journey to Glasgow takes us through the spectacular scenery of the Glencoe region and past Loch Lomond. (B,D)

Day 3 - Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Tattoo
After a morning at leisure, we set out by coach for the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway and our trip on one of the lovingly-restored locomotives. The line takes us along the shore of the Forth and climbs into the hills, before pulling into Birkhill, a picturesque town set on a wooded incline. We continue to Scotland's cosmopolitan capital, where we have plenty of time to enjoy dinner before settling into our seats for the highlight of our trip, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This musical spectacular, featuring the massed pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, is set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the ancient city and dominating the skyline. (B)

Day 4 - A day at leisure in Glasgow
Today is free to explore the city of Glasgow. Admire the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Glasgow's most famous sons, or discover one of the numerous art galleries and museums in the city. (B)

Day 5 - Homeward bound
After breakfast this morning you are free to say your goodbyes and leave Glasgow at your leisure. Alternatively, why not explore this delightful city further before departing later today? (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.  These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Diamond Jubilee Event
2010 marks the Diamond Jubilee Year of the Edinburgh's celebrated Military Tattoo, so promises to be an extra special event. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle the Tattoo will host military bands from across the globe, including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The tattoo reflects military tradition dating back centuries when regiments stationed in the Low Countries were signaled back to barracks in the evening by the pipes and drums being marched through the town.

Did you know that the word 'tattoo' comes from the closing-time cry in the inns in the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries? 'Doe den tap toe' means 'turn off the taps'.

Find out more - Visit the Great Rail Jouneys Website